Dechutes Question

Cohodependent · 04-17-2002, 12:00 PM

So, I am going to be over on the Deschutes near Warm Springs in a few weeks and I am wondering what are the best tactics. I have never spent any time on that river so I am open to all suggestions. Are there Steelhead that far up river or is Trout the only game to be had? Is my fly pole the best thing to use? Spinners, or other hardware?

Thanks in advance!

blackdog · 04-17-2002, 12:15 PM

First, just make sure that you aren't fishing before April 27th. If in fact it will be after that, I would suggest taking your fly rod, some of your favorite stonefly nymphs (as well as an assortment of others fished as a dropper) and have at it. The Warm Springs/Mecca are has some great bank access and should produce some great nymphing by then. And to answer another part of your question, steelhead do get up that high, but that generally happens between the first of October through December 31st, when it closes. Good luck.

Phish_on · 04-17-2002, 01:15 PM

The use of "hardware" will anger the river gods in this sacred territory. If you driving on Hwy 26 out of Portland, stop in at the fly shop in Welches, they know the Deschutes pretty well and can give you hints on the best flies. AND sell you a few!

Fish close to the shoreline, under the trees. Have fun. Look out for rattlesnakes (unheard of this early, but ...)

BillK · 04-17-2002, 01:22 PM

Also, I might add that if you intend to float the river for longer than a day, be sure and bring that port-a-potty.

BillK

Rusty · 04-17-2002, 02:19 PM

Also, if you plan on drifting the Deschutes, be sure to purchase a "Boater's Pass. They REALLY check this out. Another tid bit, a 5 gallon bucket and a plastic sack is NOT legal in satisfying the port-a-potty rule. It must be the expensive kind with a reservoir.

Rusty

husker · 04-17-2002, 02:50 PM

ok...so the river gods didnt like me but i caught lots of fish using #2 blue foxes & brass spoons..... :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :tongue: :tongue:

Cohodependent · 04-17-2002, 04:05 PM

Thanks for all of the input. I will take it all to heart. Sorry river gods, but what color were those blue foxs?

Phish_on · 04-17-2002, 04:29 PM

It's YOUR karma, man ...

Just don't kill any fish

Robert · 04-17-2002, 04:49 PM

Whats up with the porto poti rule?

husker · 04-17-2002, 05:08 PM

i prefer chartuse bodies with silver blades.....or green bodies 2nd

BuKuBass · 04-17-2002, 06:51 PM

Don't know why, but the "rainbow trout" color for Vibrax sizes 3 and 4, has been my best spinner for the past 3 years. Has worked on the Des., Crooked, John Day, Owyhee, Jordan Crk. in ID, everywhere.

BuKuBass

PittsburghD · 04-17-2002, 06:56 PM

Yeah, what do you mean about the porta potti? I have a 'toon that barely fits beer and camping stuff. Where do I put the expensive porta potti?

_____D :shocked:

24 on/ 48 off · 04-17-2002, 07:26 PM

Toilet info is here: http://www.boaterpass.com/edref2/toiletinfo.pdf

Less detail is here: http://www.boaterpass.com/edref2/eth...Waste Disposal

--spud-- :smile:

ssteelheadsteve · 04-17-2002, 07:31 PM

I guided a couple of folks on the Deschutes 2 weeks ago and to my SURPRISE the Snakes were out.Big snakes not just the youngsters.
Good Luck

Flatfish · 04-17-2002, 08:20 PM

If you go overnite,and you do not camp within 400(?)yards of a toilet,then you must bring a porta pottie.We have such a beast but left it in the truck to make room(on the reccomendation of the government employee at the ramp [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] )and ended up camping in a "primitave site.Yeah ended up with a ticket for 75 bucks

.Moral of the story:Take the porta pottie cause the fishin and huntin are where they are.Not where the campsites are.If you are in a raft or drifter just tie it on the side of the boat and let the bucket hang on the outside of the boat.That way you have it and it takes up minimal space.Tipput it in the boat before running any rapids(anchor too)so it don't hang up on anything at a bad time.The boaters pass is a sin tax for using a public river.2 bucks per person per day I beleive.
Good Luck.
Mark

PittsburghD · 04-17-2002, 09:11 PM

Steve, need more info on snakes. What kind of geography did you see 'em? The only time I've hit 'em is in the Summer coming out of the water too quietly after wading. I'm not familiar with the Spring snakes though. :shocked:

Carver_OR · 04-18-2002, 06:24 AM

Snakes? My wife and I took a walk on the lower "D" last week and she almost stepped on one. She was like a cave buster bomb sucking the air from the surronding area.

Within the last 15 years camping on the "D" I know I've had at least 20 - 25 rattlers in camp. There not aggressive just scare the ^*%# out of you.

Hooks sharp?
Pat

http://www.holdzit.com

ssteelheadsteve · 04-18-2002, 09:22 PM

Early in the year snakes like to lay across the trails.South facing slopes are always best.If you see a lot of rabbit holes then the snakes are near.I use "rabbit" loosely.They also prefer large rocky areas to roam and hunt.The speed they can generate when aroused in hot weather is truly amazing.When they really go they get teir head up off the ground and I doubt a man could outrun them in rough terrain.Always walk with a heavy foot even if it costs you a few fish.